Archive of Our Own ^beta

Shoko is not new to being assigned to finish off billionaires.

This won’t be the first time or the last.

“Kozume Kenma,” she reads the files that were given to her by Tsukishima Kei. “CEO of KodzuKen Enterprise. Estimated net worth: $2.5 billion dollars US.”

It’s not like they’re going to give me those digits once I kill her, Shoko grouses to herself. I just get a cheque with two million yen on the paper. It’s just another job for me…

“Hah…” Shoko stretches in the chair at the coffee shop.

It’s going to be a long day.

“Boge, what are you still doing here if you’ve received your assignment?” an unwanted voice rings out.

“Were you stalking me again, Tobi-chan?” Shoko uses the endearment out of spite.

“It’s not called stalking if I’m making sure my rival isn’t doing something stupid,” Tobi excuses herself.

“Yeah sure,” Shoko rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say.” 

“A little birdie told me that your target is in Tokyo,” Tobi informs her.

“Have I told you lately that I don’t hate you?” Shoko tilts her head.

“You can fuck off,” Tobi jokes, patting Shoko on her back.

Shoko gets up and straightens her clothes before looking at the ticket prices for the shinkansen to Tokyo. 

The ride isn’t short, but it isn’t long either. Shoko takes a short nap and she’s at her destination.

She didn’t exactly plan ahead. She only packed a week’s worth of clothes, too. 

“You’re looking awfully lost, lassie,” someone with an Osakan dialect drawls.

“Oh, I’m just—”

Shoko frowns.

“Do I know you?” she asks the woman who decided to chat up to her.

“Do you?” she shoots back.

“Look, lady,” Shoko growls. “I’m not here for a fight.”

“If you want the answers, go to Shibuya,” the lady cackles before walking away.

I guess Tokyo is still full of weirdos, Shoko sighs.

Shoko didn’t exactly have a pleasant experience in Tokyo last time she was here. She just wishes to forget she was young and stupid once.

Like a lost puppy of sorts, Shoko takes the bus to Shibuya.

“Now what?” Shoko frowns. “I can’t just—”

Someone bumps into her, and she recognizes the scent of burnt sugar and vanilla.

“Sorry,” the person apologizes. “I wasn’t looking and—”

How could I be so stupid, Shoko chides herself as she looks at Kozume Kenma.  

“Ayumi?” Kozume seems to recognize her as well.

“It’s been a while,” Shoko smiles thin.

She used the name ‘Ayumi’ when she was in Tokyo ten years ago.

Ten years ago, when Kozume Kenma used the name Uchimiya Kyouka.

“How do you still remember me?” Shoko can’t help but wonder out loud.

“How can I forget?” Kenma blinks slowly. “You’re one of a kind.”

Shoko isn’t an idiot. The description of Kenma fits perfectly with the girl she once knew as Kyouka. 

She has to kill her.

“What are the odds?” Kenma chuckles. “I was on my way to dinner at a hotel restaurant…”

“Are you seriously about to ask me to join you?” Shoko rolls her eyes.

“Am I not allowed to?” Kenma cocks her head to the side.

Shoko groans.

She’s going to regret this later.

“I’ll come with ya,” Shoko decides.

Their meal time isn’t anything out of the ordinary. She follows Kenma to her hotel room for drinks.

“So…” Kenma sits on her bed, leaning against her hands. “It’s been ten years…”

“I know I just… left you,” Shoko bites her lower lip.

If she’s good at one thing, that’d be acting.

“Oh, people come and go,” Kenma waves her hand dismissively. “And you know by now that I’m not Uchimiya Kyouka, now do you?”

“Your face is practically everywhere,” Shoko nods.

Kenma grins.

“I was hoping that’d lure you back in,” Kenma opens a bottle of champagne.

Shoko hopes no one can hear her heart beating out of her rib cage.

“Modelling as a part-time job, huh?” Shoko feigns nonchalance.

“It’s not the worst thing,” Kenma shrugs. “So…”

Kenma drags her fingertips against the inside of Shoko’s forearm.

“Why’d you follow me here?” Kenma demands.

“Maybe,” Shoko lies. “Just maybe… I’ve been thinking about you, too…”

Kenma’s eyes widen.

Then she topples forward.

“Fucking hell,” Shoko grunts.

She strips Kenma and leaves her like that.

“Until next time,” Shoko whispers before exiting the room.

The moment she steps outside the hotel, she gets a call.

“Yes?” Shoko rolls her eyes.

“Why is she still alive?” Tsukishima doesn’t sound happy.

“Glad you’re still on speaking terms with me, Tsukishima-san,” Shoko rolls her eyes.

Tsukishima isn’t in the mood for jokes, it seems.

“I’m giving you a week before I replace you,” Tsukishima hisses before hanging up rudely.

Shoko finds a motel to check into, and tries to recuperate.

Kenma didn’t have a guard, why? Shoko frowns. She’s a billionaire. Surely, she has people sent after her?

She falls asleep before long.

When she wakes up, she washes her face and goes for a morning jog.

And of course, she gets lost.

“Fuck…” Shoko growls.

“Lost, my dear?”

Shoko almost reaches for the switchblade she always carries with her.

“Are you stalking me?” Shoko hisses at the woman.

“I’m helping you,” she hisses back.

“What now?” Shoko sighs.

“You can try the Aka Fukuro club… she likes it here,” the woman informs her before disappearing into the crowd.

Fuck my life, Shoko curses.

Shoko heads to the club.

“Ayumi…” Kenma sounds… remorseful? Baneful?

Shoko is surprised when Kenma hugs her.

“You’re drunk,” Shoko gets a whiff of alcohol from the other.

“Maybe I had a few,” Kenma admits. “S’so lonely without you…”

We reconciled literally less than a day ago, Shoko pats Kenma’s back.

Shoko leads Kenma to the taxi, but she refuses to give her address. 

She sighs and takes her back to the motel she’s staying at. Once inside, Kenma starts to strip.

“Right,” Shoko gruffs. “‘Cause no one likes to make my life easier anymore.”

Kenma just giggles. 

“One chance you get,” Kenma whispers. “What will you do?”

Shoko will admit that this girl is making her feel things that she isn’t used to feeling.

But a one night stand isn’t on the list of things she can afford to do.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Kenma growls when Shoko throws a hoodie at her.

“Cover up,” Shoko mumbles. “You’re making me uncomfortable.”

Kenma does as she’s told.

“I thought you felt the same way,” Kenma mutters.

“I don’t feel, Kenma,” Shoko deadpans. “Not anymore.”

Kenma blinks slowly at her.

“I digress,” Kenma decides. “Deep inside that gorgeous body of yours, you still know how to feel emotions.”

“I really don’t have any qualms with you, but I might start to if you keep saying bullshit like that,” Shoko grouses.

Kenma raises her hands in her defence.

“I remember you being more fun to be around,” Kenma huffs.

“I was young,” Shoko excuses herself.

Kenma tilts her head to the side.

“I think,” Kenma hums. “Under different circumstances…”

She passes out.

“Of course,” Shoko sighs.

She’s known that Kenma is a lightweight, but this is ridiculous. She tucks the other in and reports to Tsukishima.

“She lives another day,” Tsukishima growls.

“Well, hello to you too,” Shoko rolls her eyes. 

“I’m not happy with your attitude, Hinata,” Tsukishima hangs up.

Shoko knows better than to displease Tsukishima.

When the morning comes, Shoko brings Kenma to a brunch diner.

“Not bad,” Kenma looks around.

“Looking for something?” Shoko feigns interest.

“I just… feel like something’s off,” Kenma admits.

Shoko sips her milkshake.

“You’re being overly sensitive,” Shoko tries to play it off. 

“Right…” Kenma frowns.

Her intuition is too damn good, Shoko notes. Like the last time I was hanging out with her, I suppose.

Shoko takes Kenma shopping to ease her mind off of things.

“I own this department store,” Kenma giggles.

“Maybe that’s why I brought you here,” Shoko giggles. “Make you ‘pay’ for everything.”

Shoko gets herself a pair of designer jeans while Kenma gets nothing. They go for a belated dessert after their shopping.

“Apple tart,” Shoko offers.

“You still remember,” Kenma muses.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Shoko lies.

She read up about it on the way to Tokyo.

“You’re so cute, Ayu-chan,” the old nickname makes a surprise appearance.

“KenKen,” Shoko copies.

She really shouldn’t opt for Plan Honey Trap, but she just might.

But does it count as ‘honey trap’ when the other one is so willing? Shoko hums to herself.

“I have a very important meeting today,” Kenma sighs. “And I can’t bring you with me.”

“I don’t know how to run a business, anyway,” Shoko supplies.

“I will see you tomorrow,” Kenma promises, kissing Shoko on the cheek before climbing into the limousine.

Shoko gets a call from Tobi.

“Yes?” Shoko growls into the phone.

“She’s thinking about re-assigning your case,” Tobi lets her know.

“What, is Sugawara-senpai getting my case?” Shoko scoffs.

Tobi stays silent.

“Tobi,” Shoko growls into the phone. 

“It’s not my place to tell you jackshit,” Tobi sighs. “But it’s possible.”

Shoko hangs up.

She wants to scream.

She wants to hit something, anything.

“I need…” Shoko mumbles.

She falls asleep mad at the world.

When she wakes up in the morning, she gets a text from Tobi.

From: Tobi
You’re more than capable of doing your job
I believe in you

Shoko throws her phone onto the bed.

She goes out for her morning jog. She finds a few stray cats that eases her mind somewhat.

“Morning.”

It’s the same lady.

“I suppose you have instructions from Tsukishima Kei?” Shoko arches her eyebrows.

“Mayhaps,” the lady chuckles. “Go to Shibuya again. Her building is there.”

Shoko does as she’s told.

“Ayu-chan!” Kenma spots her before she can.

“KenKen,” Shoko fakes a smile.

“You look like you just met someone unpleasant,” Kenma huffs.

“It’s not you,” Shoko reassures her. “It’s someone else.”

“Ah,” Kenma nods. “I don’t have anything to do today.”

Shoko tilts her head.

“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” Shoko asks the other.

“I’m asking you out on a proper date, yes,” Kenma confirms.

“You’re a fool, Kozume Kenma,” Shoko scoffs.

Shoko finds herself at an amusement park with Kenma not even a full hour later. She has on a bunny headband while Kenma has a cat one.

“You look so cute!” Kenma giggles.

“I hope so,” Shoko is wearing an orange crop top with white leggings.

Kenma is wearing a pair of black slacks and a red semi-crop top that has the word ‘BITCH’ written on it. They might have done quick shopping before coming here.

“You know…” Kenma starts. “You don’t look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

“I’m enjoying myself,” Shoko lies. “I just wish I were dressed for the occasion.”

“Scared your white leggings will get ruined?” Kenma giggles.

Shoko rolls her eyes.

They go on a roller coaster first. It twists and flips around violently, and Shoko almost throws up.

“Can we go on a water slide next?” Shoko pleads.

“Why, can’t handle the thrill of roller coasters?” Kenma snickers.

Shoko stares at the other.

They go on an aquatic ride next. Shoko manages to not throw up this time around.

“Who'd have known you weren’t the type to ride on roller coasters~” Kenma seems excited.

“Oh hush,” Shoko grumbles.

Kenma kisses her cheek chastely.

“Let’s go on that next!” Kenma suggests.

It’s a fucking Ferris wheel.

I can’t kill her here, that’d be too suspicious, Shoko tells herself.

“I’ve been curious,” Shoko hums. “You don’t have a bodyguard.”

“Oh, they’re just not right next to me,” Kenma explains. “I told them I don’t want them to be obvious.”

So, if I tried anything now, they’d be able to tell, Shoko understands it now.

“Smile,” Kenma states right before taking her photo.

“Hey, delete it!” Shoko huffs.

“Nuh-uh!” Kenma tries to wrangle her phone out of Shoko’s grip. 

Shoko sighs in frustration.

She’s supposed to kill this girl, but failing.

Shoko lets her have her phone.

“You never told me what you’ve been doing for the last ten years,” Shoko tries to change the subject.

“Heir lessons,” Kenma waves her hand dismissively. “Boring stuff.”

“Ah…” Shoko wonders if now is a bad time to ask Kenma a few things.

“What have you been doing?” Kenma covers Shoko’s hand with her own.

“I took courses for several licenses,” Shoko doesn’t specify. 

She does own a few licenses under her belt, all for her profession.

“You seem troubled,” Kenma frowns.

“I’m not used to being with someone like you,” Shoko decides to tell the only truth she can. “Someone as beautiful and powerful as you.”

“Just because I’m a billionaire doesn’t mean I changed,” Kenma raps her fingertips against the back of Shoko’s hand. “I’m still me.”

“You lied to me,” Shoko hisses. “You told me that you wouldn’t—”

Shoko blinks rapidly in confusion when Kenma kisses her on the mouth. She usually prepares herself for any sort of mishaps, but this isn’t a mishap.

This is something Kenma feels about her.

Something that is a force of nature that they can never contain. Something of uncertainty and purity.

Something Shoko never once experienced for herself.

Except…

“I don’t understand you, Kenma,” Shoko sighs, unable to untangle her.

“What’s so hard to understand?” Kenma rests her forehead against hers.

“This,” Shoko starts. “This devotion you have for me. You barely know me.”

Kenma blinks slowly.

“There’s nothing to be confused about,” Kenma doesn’t elaborate.

And that’s precisely when they get back to the ground point.

Shoko reevaluates her decision of deciding to come to this date with Kenma. Yes, she was aware that the other felt a certain way towards her, but she wasn’t… Wasn’t so sure she’d act on it.

“Kenma,” Shoko turns around to face her, but she gets halted.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Kenma frowns at her bodyguards who surround her.

“There’s been a disturbance,” one of them, probably the head figure, informs them.

A disturbance, Shoko knows what that means in terms of security.

It means there was an attempt.

“Ah…” Kenma doesn’t look so happy. “I was enjoying my time off.”

“Ken?” Shoko isn’t so sure either.

“I need to head to the office,” Kenma sighs. “Unless you want to come with me—”

“I do,” Shoko raises a hand. “I want to see for myself.”

Not a bad thing if I were to familiarize myself with her building, Shoko reminds herself.

Shoko gets inside a limousine ride with Kenma. Kenma keeps a hand on her thigh as they ride, but nothing else happens. 

The employees greet their CEO as Kenma and Shoko walk by them. Shoko ignores the hushed murmurs as their eyes land on her.

She isn’t used to being noticed.

“This is my humble office,” Kenma holds the door open for her.

The office is big enough to hold the entirety of Shoko’s small apartment inside. She doesn’t comment on it, but she walks towards the wall-to-wall window.

“I get the best view,” Kenma chuckles.

“I can tell,” Shoko looks down.

It’s a good thing that she doesn’t have a fear of heights.

“Have you been on the top of a high-rise before?” Kenma asks.

“This would be my first time,” Shoko admits. 

“You should feel special,” Kenma muses. “You’re the first non-employee I’ve brought here.”

“Oya?” Shoko turns around when Kenma wrings an arm around her waist.

“You’re my special tangerine,” Kenma uses the nickname she’s used once or twice before.

Before, when they weren’t an assassin and the target.

Before, when they were two people in their twenties.

When they were young and carefree.

Now, they’re burdened by their responsibilities.

“The weight of the world,” Kenma hums, “It’s supposed to be excruciating.”

“Talking about Greek and Roman mythology?” Shoko asks.

“Maybe,” Kenma tilts her head to the side. “I recall you were fond of a certain lore…”

“There are many stories within the mythology, you’ve got to be a little bit more specific with that,” Shoko teases her.

Kenma rolls her eyes.

“Something that had to do with a son of Poseidon,” Kenma answers.

“Hmm,” Shoko taps her chin with her fingertips. “Not ringing any bells.”

Kenma rests her chin on Shoko’s shoulder, tucking herself in snugly.

“I was always able to tell whenever you told a lie,” Kenma whispers in her ear.

“Were you?” Shoko challenges her.

“I don’t think that’s changed,” Kenma chortles.

Shoko has nothing to fear. The only thing that’s stopping her from completing her main task is the fact that there are guards outside the office.

“Ne,” Shoko begins. “What if I were to tell you a secret?”

“Like what?” Kenma inquires. 

“That I don’t hate you,” Shoko jokes.

Kenma giggles.

“You still joke around when you’re nervous, I see,” Kenma claims.

“Maybe, I do,” Shoko sighs. “But it’s not a bad thing.”

“What’s not to like?” Kenma asks boldly.

“The fact that I’m here alone with you,” Shoko points out.

Kenma turns towards her.

“Are you scared of little old me?” Kenma questions.

“There’s a chance,” Shoko teases her.

Shoko has been trained for many situations. So, when Kenma pins her against the desk, she isn’t surprised.

“Tell me,” Kenma urges her.

“There’s nothing to tell,” Shoko swallows hard.

Kenma just rolls her eyes.

“I feel like you’re hiding something from me,” Kenma declares.

“Like what?” Shoko feigns innocence.

“Something very important,” Kenma hums.

Like me having to kill you? Shoko asks silently. Oh, how twisted fates may be…

“It’s a shame that you don’t trust me,” Kenma mumbles.

“I don’t trust anyone,” Shoko deadpans. “It’s not in my nature.”

“What is in your nature then?” Kenma queries. “Love and doubt cannot coexist.”

“Is there any love lost here?” Shoko says out loud.

Kenma stares at her.

“You think I’ve been doing all this for nothing?” Kenma rasps.

“I don’t believe in love,” Shoko lies. “Not anymore.”

Kenma heaves out a breath.

“So it seems, Ayu-chan,” Kenma hums. “So it seems…”

Shoko almost flinches when Kenma brushes a stray strand of hair away from her eyes. She wants to believe that Kenma doesn’t have an ulterior motive.

Like I do, Shoko remarks. I’m here with an ulterior motive…

“I used to believe the same,” Kenma starts. “But then I met…”

Me.

“I don’t think it’s as easy as one, two, three,” Kenma goes on. “But I do believe I can earn your trust.”

“What if you can’t?” Shoko huffs. “You can’t just… think I can tumble into your life again. I’m a misfit.”

“We’re two misfits together,” Kenma chuckles. “Trust me on that.”

You’re a billionaire, Shoko hums. You’re leagues different from me.

“You and I share more in common than not,” Kenma explains. “That’s why I believe in us.”

“You believe in myths and fairy tales,” Shoko accuses.

“Is that such a bad thing?” Kenma muses.

I just wish I could throw away my mask, Shoko mutters to herself.

“You think we’re different, don’t you?” Kenma sits down on the sofa.

“I know that we are,” Shoko refutes.

“But you’re still with me,” Kenma points out.

Shoko tilts her head.

“I believe that sometimes…” Kenma pats the spot next to her.

Shoko sits across from her.

“Sometimes, we don’t believe in ourselves enough,” Kenma says.

“You seem to be forgetting who you’re talking to,” Shoko reminds her.

“Miyazaki Ayumi, my old lost love,” Kenma laughs. “You think I would forget?”

“You’re talking to someone who’s had a change of heart,” Shoko deadpans. “I’m not innocent nor am I pure.”

“I don’t want an innocent lamb as my partner,” Kenma shakes her head. “I want you.”

Shoko blinks slowly.

“You’re delusional,” Shoko shakes her head.

“No one said anything against that,” Kenma raps her fingers against the table in front of her.

Shoko sighs.

“I don’t want to disappoint you,” Shoko admits.

“When have you ever disappointed me?” Kenma tilts her head.

“In bed,” Shoko jokes.

Kenma rolls her eyes.

“You have never disappointed me, in or out of bed,” Kenma chuckles. “But, I think we have a difference in perspectives…”

Shoko swallows when Kenma stalks towards her. The billionaire straddles her waist and dips her head down.

“Sleep with me,” Kenma demands.

“You’re the same spoilt rich brat,” Shoko grouses.

“If I am?” Kenma nibbles on the shell of Shoko’s ear.

Shoko pins the other under her.

“You’re testing me, Ken,” Shoko growls.

“You make it sound like a bad thing,” Kenma giggles.

“Are you drunk or what?” Shoko sighs.

“Drunk on love, maybe,” Kenma shrugs.

Shoko gets back on her feet.

“I’m not a game piece in your game,” Shoko declares.

“What game?” Kenma frowns.

Shoko wants Kenma to hate her in her last breaths so it’s easier to kill her.

But she doesn’t have the heart to do that.

“We both know we live in two different worlds,” Shoko states. “And yours doesn’t include me in it.”

“I want it to,” Kenma gruffs. “If I will it—”

Shoko slams her fist against the sofa next to Kenma’s head.

“You’re a naïve little fool, Kozume Kenma,” Shoko tells her.

“What makes me a fool, Ayu-chan?” Kenma counters. “I’m just speaking from the depth of my heart, in case you can’t tell.”

Shoko wants to cry out.

It seems that Kenma wants to play a Hard Mode of this game.

“We aren’t compatible,” Shoko tries a different approach. “We weren’t meant to step into the storm.”

“I’m willing to step into anything as long as I got you,” Kenma states.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Shoko breathes into Kenma’s ear.

Shoko shouldn’t.

But she finds herself gravitated towards Kenma in the oddest way possible.

Is that pity or amusement I feel? Shoko asks no one in particular.

“I don’t know why you’re so reluctant to see the truth,” Kenma pleads.

“I don’t either,” Shoko bites her lower lip.

Truth of the matter is, Shoko is a weak person.

“I just want you to know that I don’t think ill of you,” Kenma whispers.

“I need to go,” Shoko mutters.

Kenma doesn’t stop her.

///

Shoko wasn’t expecting a call from Tobi that night.

“You need to get your head in the game,” Tobi practically yells into the phone.

“Thanks,” Shoko rolls her eyes. “I needed that.”

“Hinata boge,” Tobi groans. “You’re the most talented member of the company. Tsukishima knows that you won’t fail.”

“I know what happens to those who fail,” Shoko gulps.

Tobi doesn’t say much after that.

Shoko gets a text after the call.

From: Tsukishima Kei
You have four days remaining

Shoko doesn’t bother replying to it.

She can’t fail.

So, she goes to a club to ease her mind.

“You’re new around here, aren’t you?” a girl greets her at the counter. 

“I might be,” Shoko narrows her eyes.

“You also don’t seem to trust easily~” the girl giggles. “I’m Eri.”

“Ayumi,” Shoko uses the same alias she usually uses.

“Care for a dance?” Eri offers.

Shoko goes to the dance floor. Eri is taller than her in her heels, and has her arms around her waist so easily.

“I know why you’re here,” Eri whispers. “You have the eyes of a troubled person.”

“Mind telling me what exactly is troubling me?” Shoko smirks.

“Girl stuff,” Eri hums. “You aren’t exactly hiding that lipstick mark on your collarbone.”

Shoko wasn’t aware of it, but now she is. 

“If I am hiding girl stuff, as you put it,” Shoko grumbles. “How can you exactly help?”

“Jealousy is no one’s best friend,” Eri giggles. “I can help you achieve what you need.”

“I’m not so desperate for attention I will stoop that low,” Shoko growls.

“Ooh, we got a bad gal here~” Eri lets out a wolf whistle.

Shoko starts to leave, but Eri has a tight grip on her wrist.

“Trust me,” Eri promises her.

Shoko doesn’t have a say before Eri leaves a kiss mark on her neck.

“You’ll thank me later,” Eri whispers before letting her go.

Shoko goes to her motel, only to find Kenma waiting for her.

“You shouldn’t revisit your old habits,” Shoko states.

“What’s my old habit?” Kenma demands.

“Stalking your lovers,” Shoko hisses. “Except, I’m not your lover.”

“Not yet, you aren’t,” Kenma insists.

“You never changed, now have you?” Shoko sighs.

Shoko leads Kenma inside.

Once they’re inside, Shoko whirls on her. Their lips are a kiss’ breath apart before they connect. There’s no finesse in their kiss as they mash their lips and tongue together in a frenzied fervour.

“I need you,” Kenma rasps.

“Seems that way,” Shoko purrs.

Shoko cups Kenma’s dampened groin, middle finger rapping against where the other wants her the most. She’s quick to rid themselves of their clothes.

“Now,” Kenma spreads her folds for Shoko’s eyes to feast. “What will you do?”

Shoko knows there’s no choice. She kneels before Kenma and grips onto her pale thighs. She rasps her tongue over the other’s clit, followed by suckling on one of the lips. She hasn’t done this in a while, but Kenma seems to be enjoying it, one hand carded in her hair.

Gaining confidence, Shoko thumbs at Kenma’s clit as she continues to map out the inside of the other with her tongue. She can taste it, the fine tremors at the inner walls before she comes around her tongue.

“My turn,” Kenma purrs right before flipping them around.

Shoko doesn’t question it when Kenma positions in her favourite manner. Their clits rub against each other as they buck their hips, moaning in unison. It’s been so long since the last time Shoko allowed herself to enjoy anything.

Anything remotely close to this.

“Good girl,” Kenma rasps as she comes again.

Seeing the other’s blissful face makes Shoko release as well.

“Is that all?” Shoko challenges Kenma.

She lets out a shrill cry of faux surprise when Kenma pins her underneath her body, one hand cupping her wet folds. Two of the fingers invade inside soon enough, curling inward as they stroke her pooled desire.

Shoko moans ‘Ken’ as she comes again.

“You’re so pretty when you say my name,” Kenma whispers in a possessive manner.

“So cocky,” Shoko huffs.

She is used to working out, but it seems she isn’t used to this type of working out.

“Out of rounds?” Kenma challenges her.

“You wish,” Shoko chuckles.

It’s a long night, after all.

///

Shoko wakes up to the familiar-but-unfamiliar scent of apples and cinnamon.

“…”

“Mornin’ to you too, sunshine,” Kenma giggles.

“I fell asleep?” Shoko yawns around her words.

“You sure did,” Kenma offers her hand.

Shoko gets out of bed.

“Your hair’s a rat’s nest,” Kenma supplies.

“I had a rough night,” Shoko points out.

“You callin’ that rough, Ayu-chan?” Kenma giggles.

Shoko rolls her eyes.

“You know what I mean,” Shoko grunts.

“Do you have a French press machine?” Kenma demands.

“I don’t exactly travel with it, no,” Shoko sighs. 

They opt for a breakfast bar instead.

“Oh, crêpes!” Kenma seems to be interested in the apple caramel ones.

“Do you want some?” Shoko takes her phone out.

“I can pay,” Kenma offers.

“I’m not exactly broke, Ken,” Shoko huffs.

Kenma ends up paying for both of their meals.

They go to a park nearby for a walk.

“I’ve never known this place existed,” Kenma studies the welcome sign.

“I was searching for a place we can visit together,” Shoko shrugs.

“So, you admit liking me,” Kenma teases her.

“I admit that I’m as human as you are,” Shoko doesn’t deny or confirm the accusation.

Kenma stops in her tracks.

“What?” Shoko frowns.

“I forgot my wallet in my office,” Kenma excuses herself before scurrying off.

Great, Shoko groans. What did I do wrong now?

Shoko sees a stray cat stuck on a tree. Since she’s wearing grey joggers and a burgundy coloured sweater, she doesn’t find a reason why not to help the poor thing.

“Nya!” the kitten expresses her gratitude before hopping away.

I don’t understand Kenma, Shoko sighs before returning to her motel.

She finds an unexpected company.

“Sugawara-senpai,” Shoko arches an eyebrow. “What brings you to Tokyo?”

“I wonder what,” Sugawara muses. “After all, you haven’t failed you assignment.”

The word ‘yet’ hangs heavy in the air.

“Then why are you here?” Shoko dares to ask.

“Because,” Sugawara grins. “I wanted to see my favourite kouhai.”

“We both know that’s a far-fetched lie,” Shoko growls. “You’re here to keep an eye out.”

“You know me so well, Shou-chan,” Sugawara chuckles. “Why do you bother keeping your precious Kozume alive, by the way?”

“She isn’t my precious anything,” Shoko grouses.

“You kissed her, did you not?” Sugawara raises an eyebrow. “Or is that part of your act?”

“I’m no better actor than you are, senpai,” Shoko bows out of respect.

Sugawara seems pleased by that answer.

“But you’re not exactly worse than me either, now are you?” Sugawara points out.

“What’s your business with me, Sugawara-senpai?” Shoko sighs.

“I want to have fun, same as you,” Sugawara claims.

“‘Same as me’…?” Shoko repeats.

“It’s not nice to play with food, but we aren’t bound by the same rules as most people,” Sugawara comments.

Shoko is confused.

“What do you mean?” Shoko demands.

“It means,” Sugawara rasps. “I’m not someone you should be careless around.”

She gets it now.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Shoko hisses.

“I would,” Sugawara laughs.

She slaps away her senpai’s hand when it’s offered.

“That’s being impolite,” Sugawara comments.

“You’re the one stealing other’s prey,” Shoko deadpans.

“I’m not doing such a thing,” Sugawara hums.

Shoko gives her a look.

“You’re still young, Hinata,” Sugawara warns her. “Don’t make a mistake.”

The again is left unspoken, loud and clear.

“I don’t understand people,” Shoko sighs once Sugawara is out of earshot.

“Who don’t you understand?”

She almost jumps out of her skin.

“Kenma,” Shoko sees two bodyguards behind her. “What brings you here?”

“I thought I’d check up on you,” Kenma muses. “You don’t seem to be okay…”

“Had an unpleasant encounter, that’s all,” Shoko tells the truth.

Kenma tilts her head to the side.

“Do you want me to take care of them?” Kenma jokes.

“I can take care of them myself,” Shoko smiles.

She likes this relaxed air around Kenma.

It’s as though they’re twenty-three again.

Twenty-three and free of everything that burdens them now.

“I’m sorry,” Kenma apologizes abruptly.

“For?” Shoko frowns.

“Everything,” Kenma sighs. “I just… I feel like I forced myself onto you.”

“You didn’t,” Shoko reassures her. “It was out of my own selfish needs.”

Kenma props her head against Shoko’s shoulder.

“You’re a good person, Ayumi,” Kenma hums.

“Why the sudden praise?” Shoko chuckles.

Kenma pokes her cheek.

“Because,” Kenma reasons.

“That’s not good enough,” Shoko jibes.

Kenma rolls her eyes.

“You need to learn how to relax more,” Kenma declares.

“Relax how?” Shoko feigns innocence.

“Oh, I could think of a few ways,” Kenma giggles.

Before Shoko sees it, Kenma’s hands dart forward and tickle her. She’s helpless against the torture, giggling madly.

“Stop!” Shoko tries to control her voice, but it comes off as squeaky.

“Yield!” Kenma demands.

“To what?” Shoko huffs.

Kenma stops abruptly.

“You’re no fun,” Kenma groans.

Shoko pecks her on the nose.

“I try not to bore my partners, but it seems I have failed,” Shoko grins.

“You’re also very smug,” Kenma retorts.

“Am I not allowed to be?” Shoko asks.

“I’m just saying,” Kenma huffs.

Shoko kisses her nose again.

They go inside the motel and Shoko brews tea for Kenma. She returns to the other’s side with two steaming mugs.

“I believe you haven’t changed since ten years ago,” Kenma blurts out.

“What makes you say that?” Shoko is genuinely curious.

“The fact that you still like orange pekoe,” Kenma observes. “The way you part your hair. Small things like that.”

Shoko sighs.

“I’m not,” Shoko starts. “Not who you think I am.”

“You keep saying that,” Kenma frowns. “Why?”

“Because my heart’s changed,” Shoko lies.

Kenma blinks slowly.

“I see,” Kenma nods.

“Ken—”

The kiss takes her by surprise. Shoko has been kissed many times, but something about this is… different.

It’s not that they haven’t kissed before. Or the fact that they have slept together.

It’s the fact that this kiss tastes strongly of remorse and desperation.

And Shoko finds herself kissing back with hopeful curiosity.

“I don’t think I can imagine a world without again,” Kenma confesses. “Please don’t go back.”

Shoko can’t answer that.

Won’t.

“You know, don’t you?” Shoko asks.

“That you aren’t pure as you claim?” Kenma lets out a low chuckle.

Shoko nods.

“I choose not to see it,” Kenma sighs. “‘Cause I’m a fool in love.”

“Then you’re going to lose me,” Shoko deduces.

“I refuse to,” Kenma insists.

She wonders where things went wrong.

“I—”

Kenma’s lips are upon hers again, and they kiss messily. Moans resonate from one of them—or both. Shoko can’t tell anymore. Their clothes come off in an anticipated hurry, pooling under the sofa.

“Tell me you want it,” Kenma demands.

Shoko bites her lower lip.

“You know the truth,” is all she says.

They kiss again as they mutually stroke each other’s inner walls. Kenma comes first just as Shoko closes her mouth around her pert nipple.

Shoko’s back lies flat against the sofa as Kenma kisses her way down south from her chest to her pooling desire. Her mouth skilfully works on her, tongue flattening against the underside of her clit, fingers plugging back inside. She jabs into the spot relentlessly as she suckles on the tip of her arousal. She comes with a whispered moan of Kenma’s name.

“Hope you aren’t worn out,” Kenma smirks.

“Lucky you, I’m a quick learner,” Shoko huffs.

Kenma slants her cunt against hers, then starts to move. It feels too good to rut like this, like they’re animals chasing after something primal.

She comes again, clutching onto Kenma’s forearms.

“Not fair,” Shoko whines when Kenma mouths at her folds.

“S’not fair?” Kenma feigns innocence.

“You know damn well what I mean by that,” Shoko glares at her.

Kenma giggles as she starts mapping out Shoko’s insides with her tongue. She’s a goner in no time.

Hours pass by, and Shoko is exhausted.

She has a lap full of Kenma right now, taking a ‘short break’.

“I wonder…” Kenma yawns.

She falls asleep after that.

“Oyasumi, Ken,” Shoko whispers to her before getting dressed.

She’s been summoned by her boss.

“I don’t like this,” Shoko growls as she meets up with the said boss at a bar.

“You think I do?” Tsukishima rolls her eyes. “Hello, Hinata.”

“Good fucking evening to you too,” Shoko snarls. “What brings you all the way to Tokyo?”

“Stop with your hostility,” Tsukishima looks bored. “I’m here on urgent business.”

Shoko isn’t interested in this urgent business.

“You’re thinking about giving my assignment to Sugawara-san,” Shoko accuses.

“If I am?” Tsukishima raises an eyebrow. “Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Hinata.”

She takes a deep breath.

“I believe I’m capable of finishing my job,” Shoko states. “Just… wait.”

“Are you giving me an order?” Tsukishima hisses.

“I humbly beseech you,” Shoko bows her head immediately.

She knows how temperamental Tsukishima can be.

“You’re lucky I’m in a good mood,” Tsukishima mutters. “You may go now.”

Shoko returns to the motel, only to find it empty.

She finds a note.

Sorry, late night conference call with someone overseas, the note reads.

She can still detect the apple and cinnamon scent on the piece of paper.

I’m in this alone, the realization dawns on her like a freighter truck.

She can’t deny it any longer.

She’s utterly, completely alone in the world.

And she has no one else to blame for it.

///

Shoko wakes up the next morning feeling grumpy. She goes out for a morning jog, greeting all the stray cats. She gets to befriend a mother who takes her to her litter. A tiny black blob tries to nip at her fingertip.

“I wish I could bring you back with me, little one,” Shoko hums. “But I cannot.”

The mother yowls at her.

She grabs breakfast from a nearby coffee shop. She waits for Kenma to show up.

“You aren’t surprised,” Kenma huffs when Shoko turns around to greet her.

“You have very heavy footsteps for someone wearing heels,” Shoko explains.

“Oh, is that so?” Kenma smirks.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Shoko shrugs.

Kenma wrings her arms around Shoko’s neck.

“Let’s go for a walk, you and I,” Kenma suggests.

Shoko nods, noticing that the bodyguards are following closely behind them.

“Pay no attention to them,” Kenma instructs. “They’re here for my safety.”

Yours, not ours, Shoko notes.

“I see,” Shoko doesn’t comment on it.

They go on a trail. It’s a half-hour long walk, and they chit-chat about small things.

“I used to have freckles as a child,” Shoko tells the other.

“Oya?” Kenma seems interested.

“I was an outdoors kid,” Shoko goes on. “Maybe that’s why.”

Kenma cups her chin.

“You still have somewhat sunkissed skin,” Kenma deduces.

“How so?” Shoko asks genuinely.

Kenma giggles.

“I just know,” Kenma claims.

She shouldn’t know my real name, Shoko reminds herself.

They return from the trail with the bodyguards in tow. Shoko buys them shaved ice with apple syrup.

“I’m so tired,” Kenma decides.

“This is less of a workout compared to last night,” Shoko points out.

“Shhh,” Kenma crosses her forefingers against Shoko’s mouth.

Shoko scoffs, pretending to bite her fingers.

“It’s a different type of exercise,” Kenma excuses herself.

“What do you mean by that?” Shoko feigns innocence.

“It means,” Kenma deadpans. “I can do many reps with you tonight.”

Shoko smiles from hearing the promise.

“I look forward to it~”

Kenma steps aside to answer a work call when Shoko recognizes it.

The perfume Sugawara likes to wear.

“Kenma!”

A bodyguard acts before Shoko can. She uses herself as a shield for Kenma as the gunshots fire about.

“Who the fuck—”

“Let’s go,” Shoko tries to usher Kenma away from the danger.

She stops running once they’re indoors.

“Who was that insane bitch?” Kenma snarls. “It was broad daylight, too!”

“I don’t know…” why she decided to do that. “But you’re safe now…”

“Why aren’t you…” Kenma trails off, eyes widening.

Shoko hugs her, unable to offer any words of comfort.

“I’m tired, Ayu-chan,” Kenma sighs. “I didn’t ask to become a billionaire.”

“You can run away with me,” Shoko offers. “Free yourself.”

“I can’t,” Kenma laughs humourlessly. “I simply cannot.”

She untangles herself from Kenma.

“Is now a bad time to say that I love you, Ayumi?” Kenma whispers. “It scares me, but I know what I feel…”

“I—”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Kenma sighs. “I’m the brat here.”

Shoko kisses her on the lips, forgetting that people can see them. They kiss for what feels like a split second, and yet their lips stay connected.

“I don’t believe in fate or destiny,” Shoko confides. “But I believe in us.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kenma asks.

“I don’t hate you, Ken,” Shoko confirms. “It’s hard to hate someone I like.”

Kenma blinks slowly.

“You’d better not be toying with me, Ayumi,” Kenma huffs.

Shoko pecks her on the nose.

“I would never,” Shoko reassures her.

They go to a hotel under Kenma’s name, where the security is at its max level.

“Wow,” Shoko whistles low.

I can’t try a damn thing here, she notes.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” Kenma giggles as they enter the penthouse.

“My apartment can fit ten times inside this place,” Shoko jokes.

“Is that so?” Kenma arches an eyebrow.

Shoko plops onto one of the luxurious looking sofas.

“This is so cushiony!” Shoko squeaks.

“I mean,” Kenma thinks for a second. “It’s from Italy or something.”

“You’re so rich,” Shoko laughs.

“That I am,” Kenma remarks.

Shoko pulls at Kenma’s hand, making the other topple on top of her.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Kenma hums.

“You know precisely what I mean,” Shoko giggles before pulling Kenma onto her lap.

They snuggle together until Kenma falls asleep.

Shoko knows that she’s got a decision to make.

And that decision might not be the best one she’ll ever make in her life.

“Kenma…” Shoko starts, only to startle the other awake.

“I thought I heard my name…” Kenma rubs her eyes.

“You’re imagining things,” Shoko smiles softly.

Kenma reaches up to cup Shoko’s face in her hands. She nuzzles the palm almost instinctively.

“I love you, Ayu-chan,” Kenma whispers softly.

“I…” Shoko doesn’t know what to say.

She doesn’t want to hurt her, that’s the thing. And she’s sent after Kenma.

“You’re too gullible,” Shoko ends up saying. “What if I want to harm you?”

“I don’t believe that,” Kenma huffs. “You don’t believe that either, do you?”

Shoko sucks in a breath.

“I can harm you,” she states. “Watch me harm you.”

She dips her head down to claim Kenma’s lips, who kisses her back with an uninterrupted passion that takes her by surprise. She isn’t used to receiving unrelenting affection.

“I can’t do this,” Shoko whispers against the other’s lips.

“Do what?” Kenma blinks slowly.

I’ve been lying to you, the words refuse to leave Shoko’s throat.

“I need to go,” Shoko excuses herself before leaving the penthouse.

She calls Tobi almost soon after.

“I thought you’d call me,” Tobi chuckles.

“Oh hush, you arrogant bastard,” Shoko growls.

“At least I know my place,” Tobi retorts.

“I need you to track someone,” Shoko demands.

“Where’s the magic words?” Tobi scoffs.

Shoko hangs up.

“Didn’t expect you to leave without your kill,” Tsukishima’s voice rings.

Tsukishima is a tall woman, easily towering over Shoko even when she’s wearing heels. And she has that inborn charisma that no one can deny.

“Why are you still here?” Shoko groans. “I thought you were done with your business.”

“I am,” Tsukishima sighs. “I just wanted to talk to you.”

Shoko scowls at her boss.

“You wanted to talk to me,” she repeats after the other.

“Is that so wrong of me wanting a heart to heart with my employee?” Tsukishima rolls her eyes.

“I’m not saying that, I’m just… surprised,” Shoko admits.

“Let’s go,” Tsukishima leads her towards a coffee shop.

It smells like various coffee beans and spices in the coffee shop. Shoko finds that relaxing somewhat.

“My treat,” Tsukishima offers when they order their drinks.

“I’m not going to thank you for this,” Shoko growls.

“You have some explaining to do,” Tsukishima snaps.

“I got none,” Shoko states. “I failed my assignment.”

“You’ve never failed me before,” Tsukishima comments.

“I have not,” Shoko nods. “I shall take the punishment.”

“There will be no punishment,” Tsukishima sighs.

Shoko tilts her head.

“Pardon me?” Shoko wonders if she misheard things.

“I’m not going to punish you for falling in love,” Tsukishima deadpans.

Shoko’s face heats up significantly.

“I—I don’t know what you mean by that,” Shoko stammers.

“You know precisely what I mean by that,” Tsukishima urges.

Shoko didn’t see the signs. She isn’t a great lover to start with. Her experiences with love all ended tragically.

“I don’t love Kozume,” Shoko mumbles.

“That’s what you think,” Tsukishima chuckles.

“You find this funny?” Shoko hisses.

“I find this amusing,” Tsukishima corrects her. 

“Why?” Shoko demands.

“Because I was in the same position twenty years ago,” Tsukishima confesses. “I know what it feels like to feel helpless in love.”

Tsukishima Kei fell in love once? Shoko is in shock.

“You make it sound like your lover no longer exists,” Shoko lets out a short heh sound.

“It’s because she doesn’t,” Tsukishima deadpans.

“I’m so—”

“Don’t be sorry for something that isn’t your fault,” Tsukishima snarls. “It’s my fault she died.”

Shoko gets a feeling she shouldn’t be here.

“What’s your purpose with me, Tsukishima-san?” Shoko finally asks.

“I will release you from the service,” Tsukishima smiles. “Or you can finish your task.”

“I don’t think I can,” Shoko admits. “But I will.”

Tsukishima reaches across the table to pat the back of her hand.

“I never once thought I’d see the day Hinata Shoko would find love again,” Tsukishima adds before exiting the coffee shop.

Again? Shoko is confused.

Then again, the only time she felt truly in love was with Kenma ten years ago. Maybe Tsukishima meant that.

How she knows everything about me is eerie, Shoko tells herself as she hurries back to the hotel.

“Let me in,” Shoko growls at the bodyguards at the entrance. “Tell Kozume Kenma that Ayumi is back.”

The guard looks sceptical, but does as she’s told.

Moments later, Kenma appears.

“Ayu-chan…” Kenma mutters. “Have you made up your mind?”

“I have,” Shoko nods. “I’m sorry.”

Kenma leads her back to the penthouse.

“There’s practically all known alcohol bottles here,” Shoko comments when she sees the little bar area.

“Well,” Kenma grins. “I was lonely, and booze kept me company.”

“Did you not sleep with others in the last ten years?” Shoko questions.

Kenma stares into her eyes.

“I could have,” Kenma smiles wryly. “But I couldn’t.”

‘Because of you’ is left unsaid loud.

“You flatter me,” Shoko shakes her head. “You don’t even know who I am.”

“Maybe I do,” Kenma chuckles. “Maybe I’ve known all along.”

Realization dawns on Shoko.

“You have,” Shoko states.

“I’m not an idiot, Shoko,” the way her name leaves her lips is painful.

Shoko bites her lower lip.

“How long?” Shoko demands.

“Since you left me ten years ago,” Kenma answers.

“But you played along,” Shoko accuses.

“I thought I’d tell you—”

“I thought I loved you,” Shoko whispers.

“Do you not?” Kenma slams a hand against the wall next to Shoko’s head.

The kiss feels wrong. Kenma’s hand finds its way under Shoko’s leggings and cups her cunt. It’s wrong, plain wrong, but the excitement grows nonetheless. She moans into the kiss as Kenma’s fingers delve inside her.

Her scream of pleasure is smothered by Kenma’s apple-tinted lips.

“There’s a good girl,” Kenma seems happy with the result.

“You’re selfish, Kozume Kenma,” Shoko rasps.

“Am I now?” Kenma purrs. “You’re the one who chose your assignment knowing that I would find out sooner or later.”

“Wrong,” Shoko hisses.

Kenma tilts her head to the side.

“You don’t know a single damn thing about me, Kenma,” Shoko declares.

“How do you figure?” Kenma hums.

“The fact that you believe I’m in love with you,” Shoko improvises. “I can never love a creature like you.”

The other person blinks slowly.

“You’ve seen so much sorrow,” Kenma pries. “That’s why you’ve closed yourself up.”

“What makes you say that?” Shoko tilts her head.

“I just know,” Kenma reassures.

Shoko feels like she’s being deceived, but she allows Kenma to wring out another wave of pleasure from her, tasting remorse from her lips.

Why are you remorseful, Ken? Shoko can’t help but wonder. What makes you feel that particular emotion?

Shoko lies with Kenma in bed later that night. She doesn’t know what to expect anymore.

But one thing’s for sure.

She cannot fuck up her job.

She turns towards Kenma, who’s sleeping peacefully. 

She could, now.

But she can’t. 

Not when she’s been lying to Kenma all this time.

“I don’t know what to do anymore…” Shoko sighs as she gets dressed.

She leaves Kenma behind her, booking a flight somewhere.

///

A month later…

Shoko resigned from her job to open a cat shelter.

She just doesn’t want to do her assassin business anymore, but she still gets a call from Tobi. Tobi doesn’t say much about her assignments, but she will yammer about her crush.

Which, admittedly, is cute, but she doesn’t say much on the phone.

“How many kittens are in need of foster care?” a newcomer asks.

Shoko stares at them.

They’re wearing a black mask and dark tinted sunglasses, hiding more than half their face. She just shrugs, rising to her feet.

“I haven’t really counted,” she replies truthfully. “I’d reckon there will be more once it’s litter season.”

“Do you have any suggestions for a first-time cat owner?” they prompt.

“Don’t go for those cute little kittens at pet shops,” Shoko suggests. “Old shelter cats also need love.”

The lone patron doesn’t move once they’re in front of a super old cat named Rusty.

“You like gingers?” Shoko jokes.

“Maybe,” they chuckle. “I know someone who does.”

“Ah…” Shoko cups the back of her head.

The strange patron ends up adopting the old ginger tabby the next week.

“Hinata boge,” Tobi greets her.

“Same goes for you,” Shoko rolls her eyes.

“Boss keeps asking me what you’ve been up to,” Tobi states.

“Why haven’t you told her?” Shoko groans.

“It’s not my place to,” Tobi scoffs.

Shoko sighs.

“Just tell her I’m in Kanagawa,” Shoko growls.

“I don’t think she’ll like that answer,” Tobi frowns. “Shoko—”

“Don’t Shoko me,” Shoko dismisses her.

“You know what,” Tobi grits. “Fuck you.”

“Oh wow,” Shoko isn’t shocked.

“I’m trying to be nice here,” Tobi grouses.

“About what?” Shoko demands.

“Kozume is getting married soon,” Tobi tells her.

Dead silence follows.

“What?” Shoko’s vision quivers.

“You didn’t know?” Tobi narrows her eyes.

“I’m not exactly keen on following the news about my not-ex,” Shoko huffs.

“Well, your ex is engaged to some other billionaire,” Tobi kindly supplies.

Shoko stares at her.

“I thought you might have killed her,” Shoko mumbles.

“Tsukishima revoked the bounty on Kozume’s head after you quit,” Tobi adds. “Because she knows.”

“What does she know?” Shoko growls.

Tobi gives her a look.

“Please don’t scold me like I’m a child,” Shoko sighs.

“But you’re acting like one,” Tobi deadpans.

Shoko kicks Tobi out of her shelter.

She finds a new patron soon enough.

“Ah,” Shoko stammers.

It’s the stranger who adopted Rusty.

“Did… something happen?” Shoko asks with a fake smile on her face.

“I thought Rusty might enjoy company,” they state. 

“Rusty got along well with Princess, if I recall correctly,” Shoko informs. “Princess is a white Japanese longhair with grey paws, who is super friendly with humans.”

They nod, heading out just to return with a carrier.

Shoko stretches, getting ready to close the shelter.

She ends up going to the gym after the shelter hours are up. She needs to stop thinking about her.

But in her dreams, she isn’t free.

“Fuck,” Shoko mewls when she feels Kenma’s tongue flatten against her clit.

“You like that, baby?” Kenma rasps, hot breaths fanning against her pooling desire.

It’s too hot, and she needs to cool off. But Kenma’s tongue only strokes her like kindling to a flame. She can’t keep it under control, squirting all over Kenma’s beautiful face.

“You’re such a naughty girl, Shou-chan,” Kenma purrs, patting her sopping cunt. “Naughty girls get punished.”

In a blink of an eye, Shoko finds herself blindfolded and handcuffed behind her back. 

“You’re so fucking wet for me…” Kenma muses, fingertips ghosting over her pert nipples.

“Ken, we can talk this out—”

Something slaps against her tits, making them jolt. She doesn’t hate it; it only arouses her even more.

“You need to learn your place,” Kenma hums.

“Do I now?” Shoko challenges her.

She never finds out because her cat’s yowling wakes her up.

“Ashiro,” Shoko groans at her cat. “What do you need?”

“Nya!” Ashiro, befittingly a white cat with a black tipped tail, kneads her chest.

“No need to get violent,” Shoko jokes as she rolls out of bed.

She fills up the food bowl and the water bowl before making herself breakfast. She gets dressed so she can go out for a morning jog.

“You seem to be comfortable here,” an unwanted voice rings out.

“Tsukishima-san,” Shoko sighs. “It’s about time you showed up.”

“You make it sound like we aren’t friends,” Tsukishima chuckles.

Shoko tilts her head.

“I believe we could’ve been, but I don’t think it’s safe for me,” Shoko decides.

“Call it an old friend’s favour,” Tsukishima rasps. “When I spared Kozume’s life.”

“And now she’s getting married to some business person,” Shoko retorts.

“I don’t control who marries whom,” Tsukishima sighs. “But you can decide what to do for yourself.”

Shoko stares at the piece of paper in her hand.

“A ticket to Hawaii?” Shoko feels dumbfounded.

“The wedding is in a week,” Tsukishima informs her.

You’re telling me to make a decision, Shoko smirks to herself.

She makes a call.

“I’d never have imagined you’d call me,” the receiver cackles.

“Oh, shut it,” Shoko groans. “Just… take care of my cat, please.”

Shoko packs lightly for an impromptu trip to Hawaii.

She sleeps on the plane, thankfully dreamless. Or maybe she dreamt of Kenma and forgot about it as one often does.

“This isn’t my style,” Shoko complains as she shops for a dress to wear.

Because Tobi hacked the guest list, Shoko’s name should be on the list as well.

I’m sorry I lied to you, Ken, Shoko prays that whichever god that listens to her will be kind to her.

The days flow by. All Shoko can do is visit tourist spots and take pictures until D-Day.

She finds the dress she found a bit too revealing, but she hasn’t got the time to think about that. She has to win Kenma back somehow.

Thanks to Tobi, Shoko gets inside the venue easily. She takes a seat and waits for the ceremony to start.

Then it comes to her.

She doesn’t have to wait.

She finds Kenma’s dressing room and barges in.

“What the—”

“I’m against your union, Kozume Kenma.”

+++

Kenma wakes up alone in the bed.

“Shou-chan?” she rubs her eyes.

Nothing.

“Shou-chan?” she calls in a louder voice.

Still nothing.

“It’s not funny,” Kenma rolls out of bed and starts looking around.

The penthouse is silent and empty, like Kenma is the only one who ever frequents the place.

“Shou-chan?” Kenma’s lips tremble as tears start to fall from her eyes, and onto the floor.

She hasn’t cried since the death of her paternal grandmother and now… it’s like the fucking damn burst open.

“Why…” Kenma whimpers. “Why would you leave me, Shoko?”

It’s because she’s seen the true you, a voice whispers. She finds you repulsive.

Kenma’s distress alerts her bodyguards who keep an eye out on her vitals. She kicks them out of her penthouse, but one relents.

“You must not do this to yourself,” the bodyguard, whose name is Kanro or something close to that, tells her.

“You can’t order me around, I’m your boss,” Kenma hisses.

“Then consider it a suggestion,” Kanro insists. “Do you not wish to take revenge on the person who left you?”

Revenge is not my style, Kenma almost says it out loud.

“Please leave,” Kenma asks; Kanro bows before exiting.

Kenma fell asleep while crying.

She gets dressed for a meeting since she is a busy woman.

“Kozume-san?” the CFO seems alert.

“I’m okay,” Kenma tells an obvious lie.

The CFO, Yaku Moriko, doesn’t say anything.

“We can just postpone the meeting,” Yaku suggests.

“I can’t,” Kenma shakes her head. “This is my duty.”

Yaku doesn’t counter.

After the meeting, Kenma goes to her house.

She is immediately greeted by her silver tabby.

“Gin, what should I do?” Kenma asks her. “I don’t think I can take it anymore…” 

“Nya?” Gin rubs her face against Kenma’s nose.

“Do you know what it’s like to have the love of your life walk out on you twice?” Kenma sighs.

Gin kisses her nose before prancing away.

“You’re just a cat,” Kenma groans.

She gets a call from her childhood best friend who’s been out of the country for years that night.

“Kuro,” Kenma sniffles.

“I hear bad things from your bodyguards,” Tetsurou gruffs. “What happened?”

“I don’t know what I did wrong,” Kenma admits. “Is it me?”

Kenma can picture her friend rolling her eyes.

“It’s not you,” Tetsurou reassures her. “Maybe she has her reasons.”

“What kind of—”

Kenma almost forgot that Shoko is secretly an assassin.

Did she give up on her assignment because of me?

“Hello, Earth to Kenma!” Tetsurou growls.

“I need to go…” Kenma hangs up.

She calls a guard.

“Yes?” she thinks her name is Ari.

“I need you to track someone,” Kenma orders. “Someone named Hinata Shoko.”

She doesn’t hear much about Shoko from her informant.

She does, however, hear that Shoko started a cat shelter. 

She knows that she can’t go there herself. She’s always busy with work.

And then her aunts summon her.

“What do you want?” Kenma sighs.

“You’re getting married,” one of her aunts states.

“Am I?” Kenma challenges.

“It’s for yourself,” the aunt goes on. “Do not disappoint us.”

Kenma almost cries again.

She doesn’t want to do this anymore.

Sleep follows like Death chasing after its prey.

Kenma wishes it were that easy to forget someone like Shoko. But in reality, the memories she shares with Shoko haunts her like a nightmare.

“I’m just a fool,” Kenma wakes up from a dream she can’t recall.

She’s the piece of me I wish I didn’t need to complete myself, she muses to herself.

Maybe she’s the biggest fool here for believing in love.

That love exists for her to share with someone.

She sees her fiancée next week.

“Nice to meet you,” the girl greets her. “I don’t like this, trust me.”

“Then why did you agree to it?” Kenma tilts her head.

“Publicity,” the girl replies. “I need to gear myself up.”

Kenma knows what she means by that. Public Relations stunts aren’t new in her world, after all.

“You want the fame I can bring you,” Kenma deadpans.

“Like you aren’t thinking the same thing,” the girl snorts.

“I’m the CEO of KodzuKen,” Kenma raises an eyebrow.

“And I’m the heir to Mikage Corporations,” Rei reminds her.

Right, Kenma isn’t the only one with power here.

“You’d be a fool to deny me, Kenma,” Rei threatens her.

Kenma doesn’t have a good impression of Rei.

She wants to see Shoko.

But it’s impossible, Kenma recollects. She told me that she can never love someone like me…

“I wish I were free like you,” Kenma wishes upon the full moon. “And yet you shine so beautifully…”

The day of her wedding comes quickly.

“Fucking hell,” the wedding veil has a rip where it shows easily.

“Do you want me to get a new one?” Kanro asks.

“If you can find one that’s ten-thousand yen around here, sure,” Kenma snorts.

Kanro stares at her.

“I’m a little bit tensed up, sorry,” Kenma apologizes.

“It’s fine,” Kanro bows. “I was nervous to get married myself.”

“You’re married?” Kenma is surprised.

“She’s expecting our first child,” Kanro nods. “We didn’t want to find out our child’s sex until they’re born.”

“Oh…” Kenma didn’t know people did that.

Kanro is a nice person, Kenma knows that. She’s been lucky to have someone like Kanro to stick around for over ten years with her.

“If I may speak,” Kanro asks.

“I suppose so,” Kenma jokes.

“Why did you agree to this marriage?” Kanro questions. “Your heart lies with someone else.”

“That obvious, huh,” Kenma mutters mostly to herself.

“That girl from before,” Kanro clears her throat. “She always smelt like you.”

Kenma’s eyes widen.

She wasn’t aware that Kanro knew. But then again, Kanro has been her bodyguard for many years.

“Why didn’t you say anything until now?” Kenma demands.

“It’s not my place to say anything that is out of bounds for me,” Kanro bows. “But I don’t want you to suffer either.”

Kenma tugs at her upper lip.

Then the door springs open.

“What the—”

“I’m against your union, Kozume Kenma,” a familiar voice resonates.

She must be dreaming.

How on Earth can Hinata Shoko be here right now?

“You’re an illusion,” Kenma rasps. “I’m stressed.”

“You aren’t imagining jackshit,” Shoko snorts. “I’m right here.”

“Why are you here, Shoko?” Kenma asks.

“You know damn well why,” Shoko stalks towards her.

Kenma feels trapped.

She soon realizes that Kanro left the room.

“Shou—”

Shoko’s lips taste like furious sorrow. Kenma answers with a desperate regret. Their lips and tongues mash together like they need to settle down for dominance. Her dress is ripped off of her body as her back slams against the closet door.

“Shoko…”

Shoko doesn’t seem to be in the mood to listen to her. Her thong is parted from her folds to reveal her sopping cunt. The other kneels in front of her and delves her tongue in right away. The way she strokes her insides in a hurried manner makes her come that much quicker. But she isn’t done yet. She plugs her fingers and jams them into her spot relentlessly. By the time she’s come three times, her rationale returns to her.

“I’m about to get wed,” Kenma hisses.

“I don’t care,” Shoko deadpans. “It’s not like you’re in love with her.”

“Why are you here, Shou-chan?” Kenma dares to ask the question.

“Because it’s been killing me,” Shoko finally admits. “Loving you is the death of me.”

Kenma drops to her knees and kisses Shoko, tasting herself on her lips.

“I never stopped loving you,” Kenma vows. “And I don’t think I ever will.”

“Marry me, Ken,” Shoko demands. “Marry me instead and make me the happiest girl in the world.”

Kenma nods.

“What now?” Shoko cups the back of her neck. “Do I make a run for it?”

“Why do you have to—”

“An old coworker hacked your guest list,” Shoko bites her lower lip. “It’s only the matter of time before they realize it’s been meddled with.”

Kenma takes her heels off.

“What the hell are you waiting for?” Kenma smirks.

///

It’s not fun walking barefoot, Kenma learns the hard way.

Thankfully, this old coworker of Shoko’s had their getaway jet plane ready.

“Nice,” Kenma grins. “But I suppose I can’t join the Mile High Club.”

“‘Mile high’ what?” Shoko’s eyes widen.

“Maybe when we go on our honeymoon,” Kenma teases her lover.

Shoko huffs.

“It’s not my fault—”

“Shhh,” Kenma leans in until their lips are a kiss’ breadth apart. “Allow me.”

Shoko pushes her away.

“I’m pretty sure they can hear us in the cockpit,” she hisses.

“Boo,” Kenma huffs.

Once they’re on the ground, they are visited by someone Shoko was not expecting.

“…”

“Hello, nee-chan,” Natsu greets her.

“We haven’t seen each other in a while,” Shoko sighs.

“I was a silly teen,” Natsu shrugs. “I see you’ve acquired yourself a lover…”

“I always knew that you wanted another sister,” Shoko jokes.

Natsu’s eyes quite literally sparkle.

“Do you want me to send you childhood photos of Shou-tan?” Natsu asks Kenma.

“Sure…?” Kenma frowns.

“Ignore her,” Shoko grunts. “Her business lies with me.”

“But nee-chan!” Natsu huffs. “I missed you!”

“I video called you literally every other week,” Shoko reminds her.

“Still!” Natsu crosses her arms. “Not fair!”

“She’s—”

“Still a child,” Kenma smiles. “She’s adorable.”

“Did you install the tracking app on my phone again, Natsu?” Shoko scolds her imouto.

“I did not,” Natsu sticks her tongue out. “Tobi-chan did!”

Shoko bites her lower lip.

“We’re needed elsewhere,” Shoko sighs.

“We really aren’t,” Kenma rolls her eyes. 

“Ken,” Shoko gives her a warning look.

“I cleared my schedule for the next three weeks,” Kenma smirks.

Shoko throws her arms out in surrender.

“You guys are plotting against me,” Shoko accuses.

“I want to get to know her!” Natsu giggles.

“What do you want to know?” Kenma indulges her.

“Does Shou-tan scream in—”

Shoko slaps a hand over Natsu.

“She’s unhinged,” Shoko apologizes in her imouto’s stead.

“I can tell,” Kenma chuckles.

Natsu is escorted to a different taxi by Kenma’s bodyguards.

“Why are you shutting the partition?” Shoko asks innocently as Kenma lowers her on the seat.

“I wonder why,” Kenma purrs.

Shoko sucks in a breath when Kenma sinks her teeth against the soft spot on her neck. They nip and nibble until Shoko’s panties are soaked.

“Playing dirty, huh?” she huffs.

“Am I not allowed to?” Kenma bats her eyes.

“You’re so—”

Kenma’s lips block the words out, making it impossible to say anything against her. She moans into the kiss, groping at her boobs. Their clothes come off like it’s the most natural thing to do. They cup each other’s cunt and slip their fingers inside at the same time. Kenma bites into the other’s shoulder as she tries to stifle her moans, but Shoko’s relentless with her pursuit. They come in unison, mewling out each other’s name.

“So unfair,” Shoko hums as Kenma sucks on her own fingers.

“Life’s seldom a fair game,” Kenma reminds her with a wink.

They arrive at a hotel that Kenma managed to book in advance. They go to the penthouse, far away from prying eyes.

“It’s not our honeymoon yet,” Shoko resists futilely when Kenma mouths at her collarbone.

“But I want you,” Kenma breathes against the spot.

“Stop playing unfairly, Ken,” Shoko whines.

Kenma chuckles as she lifts Shoko off the ground and carries her to the bedroom. She lays the other flat across the mattress before discarding their clothes.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Shoko makes a ‘T’ sign with her fingers. “I want to take a bath first.”

Kenma pouts.

“You can join me,” Shoko rolls her eyes.

As they wait for the water to fill up the tub, they make out at the edge of it. It’s a total mistake when Kenma pushes Shoko into the water.

“Kenma!” Shoko shrieks.

“Oops,” Kenma joins her.

Shoko retaliates by biting into her nipple sharply.

“Oh, now you’ve done it,” Kenma jokes.

They splash water around as they try to get back at each other. Eventually, the entire bathroom is a mess.

“Someone needs to clean that up…” Shoko comments.

“That’s what the staff is for,” Kenma pins Shoko against the wall of the tub.

Shoko entertains her, pretending to be overpowered by her. Kenma presses her lips against Shoko’s left tit just as she reaches to drain the water. 

Even with the water gone, Kenma is able to keep them warm for a few more minutes as she jabs her fingers into Shoko’s spot deep inside her. When she comes around her digits, Kenma releases a short growl.

“My beloved,” Shoko giggles.

“That’s right,” Kenma hums. “Yours.”

Kenma’s first and only love is Shoko, and she hopes that the other knows that. If not, she intends to engrave that into her body, mind, and soul with her lips, teeth, and tongue.

“You’re thinking about something dirty,” Shoko accuses.

“I’m thinking about different ways to love you,” Kenma defends herself.

Shoko cocks her head to the side.

“Sure you are,” Shoko snorts.

“I wouldn’t dare lie to you,” Kenma takes Shoko’s hand and kisses the back of it.

Shoko blushes.

“Let’s wash our hair and get dressed again,” Shoko mutters.

Kenma takes her sweet time washing Shoko’s hair. She likes the idea of them smelling like each other.

Mine, Kenma muses.

“You’re such a pervert,” Shoko states when Kenma leaves the front of her bath gown untied.

“It’s just you and me, so why should I bother covering myself up?” Kenma reasons.

“Are you implying something, Ken?” Shoko feigns shock.

“Maybe I am,” Kenma carefully pins Shoko against the sofa. “Maybe I’m not.”

Shoko giggles when Kenma’s lips meet with hers. They kiss slowly, fingers lacing together as they part their mouths. Kenma creeps her free hand towards the belt of the bath gown and cups the other’s otherwise sopping folds.

“You’re so ready for me,” Kenma purrs.

“Pervert,” Shoko reiterates.

“Who knows,” Kenma slips a finger inside her.

Shoko whimpers into their kiss. Kenma likes that Shoko is at her mercy.

“You wouldn’t,” Shoko gasps.

“Can you read minds now?” Kenma teases her.

She doesn’t wait for an answer though. She delves her middle finger and curls it inward. Shoko lets out a delectable moan, delighting her. She pulls them out when she starts to feel the fine tremors of the other’s inner walls.

“You’re so mean,” Shoko accuses.

“Your meanie,” Kenma promises.

She replaces her finger with her mouth, teasing the underside of Shoko’s engorged tip. She suckles it thoroughly, then pulls away again.

“So mean,” Shoko groans.

“It’s all for you, baby,” Kenma chuckles.

She laps at the other’s clit as she strokes her inner walls, not stopping until Shoko squirts all over her tits.

“My, my,” Kenma smirks. “Someone’s more than—”

Kenma yelps in protest when Shoko pins her under her. She can’t fight her, not really, as Shoko is stronger than her.

“Don’t let your guard down,” Shoko hums.

“I really shouldn’t,” Kenma drawls. “Or my beautiful fiancée will jump me.”

Shoko rolls her eyes.

“I mean it,” Kenma pleads with her eyes. “You’re beautiful, Shou-chan.”

“I believe you,” Shoko grunts.

Shoko isn’t a tentative person, and they both know it. Her lips find where Kenma needs her the most soon enough, taking what she wants.

And when Kenma releases around her tongue, she’s truly blissed out.

///

Kenma doesn’t remember going to bed, not really, but she finds herself tucked in the bed. Shoko is right next to her, snoring peacefully.

“Wake up, my beauty,” Kenma whispers, kissing Shoko on the nose.

Shoko wrinkles her nose.

“It’s not even 10:00,” Shoko whines.

“Good, we can have a proper breakfast,” Kenma rolls her eyes.

They order room service, greeting the poor employee half-naked.

Kenma takes the syrup bottle and smirks at her lover.

Half an hour later, she regrets her decision.

“This is sticky,” Kenma huffs.

“You’re the one who decided this would be fun,” Shoko groans.

They are currently in the bathtub, trying to wash each other, and the syrup is too thick. Kenma can’t help it when her hands stray down south.

“Bad girl,” Shoko tries to slap her hand away.

“But is it that bad?” Kenma pouts.

Shoko kisses her pout away.

“Later,” Shoko promises. “We have a flight to catch this afternoon.”

And she’s right on that.

They have first class tickets to Las Vegas.

“This is a bad idea,” Shoko frowns when they land.

“Why is it a bad idea?” Kenma cocks her head.

“You know exactly why,” Shoko accuses.

“I really don’t,” Kenma snickers.

They find a wedding officiator to witness their union.

“I do,” Kenma says in unison with Shoko.

They find a cheap motel to consummate their love.

“You know why the bride wears the garter, right?” Kenma smirks.

“Oh, is that why you specified that I wear one?” Shoko snorts.

Kenma pushes her wife onto the mattress, crawling on top of her like a spider stalking its meal. And Shoko is a willing one.

She claims Shoko’s lips, moaning into the kiss from her anticipation. She removes the scanty dress without any haste, revealing the white lace lingerie set her wife is wearing. She doesn’t wait to trail kisses down from the other’s collarbone to her barely covered folds. She rasps her tongue over the flimsy fabric covering her cunt before settling down on the garter. She tugs at the lace with her teeth, easily pulling it down the other’s tanned leg. She throws it onto the floor before rubbing her tongue against the lace. Shoko lets out a loud moan, hands carding in her hair. She takes it as a positive feedback and does it over and over, and over again until the thin lacy fabric is absolutely soaked. She nudges it aside with her tongue before delving that very tongue inside her walls. Her beautiful, gorgeous, sunkissed wife trembles as she comes instantly.

“Bad girl,” Kenma slaps Shoko’s wet folds.

She moans in response.

“Such a filthy mouth you got,” Kenma hums, patting the cleft between the folds with her index and middle fingertips.

“What will you do about it?” Shoko challenges her.

She doesn’t answer verbally. She slips her fingers inside, curling them inward. She slams them into the spot again and again until Shoko clenches rhythmically around her digits.

“I haven’t come yet, Shou-chan,” is all she says before slinging a leg over her shoulder, pressing her cunt against Shoko’s.

Shoko moans without abandon as they rut against each other, feeling each other’s wetness. Her loud sounds only spur her on, making Kenma move faster.

When she comes, she backs away to give herself ample room to finish Shoko as well.

“You’re the meanest person I had the pleasure of knowing,” Shoko declares.

“I will take that as a compliment,” Kenma giggles.

Shoko pushes her head down for a lingering kiss.

“You’re mine now,” she hisses.

“As you are mine,” Kenma reminds her. “Don’t you dare disappear on me.”

Shoko nods.

“You’re my top priority, you should know that,” Shoko rolls her eyes. “I quit my former job because of you.”

“But—”

“But I don’t regret a thing,” Shoko interjacks. “I’m glad I met you again.”

Kenma rests her forehead against the other’s. 

“Thank you for giving me another chance,” Shoko mumbles.

“You make it sound like you did me dirty the first time,” Kenma giggles.

“I did,” Shoko deadpans. “And I will spend the rest of my life making up for you.”

Kenma nuzzles her face into Shoko’s boobs.

“Does this mean I get to faceplant in your heavenly titties every morning for ten minutes before I have my morning meetings?” Kenma bats her eyes.

“Anything you need,” Shoko chuckles.

And that’s all Kenma needs in her life.

To have Hinata Shoko by her side, forevermore.